Market Trends

🏨 By the end of the year, IHG's Crowne Plaza aims to have 70% of its Americas locations updated with the “New Modern” design. Renovations include flexible workspaces, social hubs, and upgraded guest rooms. Key renovations: Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center's 148 rooms and public areas, Louisville Airport Expo Center's 588 rooms and 50,000 sq ft event space, Seattle – Downtown's 418 rooms and 10,000 sq ft meeting space, Niagara Falls NY – Riverside's 141 rooms, and Orlando – Downtown's 227 rooms and 8,000 sq ft event space. Expansion plans involve adding over 36,000 rooms across nearly 150 hotels, a 35% room count increase, including a 22-story Times Square hotel and properties in Mexico City and Saint John, New Brunswick.

🎶 In September, Sheraton Grand Nashville Downtown completed a transformation which included redesigning all 494 guestrooms and suites, revamping meeting and event venues, adding communal spaces, and improving F&B experiences. The project was managed by Looney & Associates and is part of Sheraton Hotels' global brand revitalization. It aims to create a welcoming atmosphere for both guests and locals, integrating contemporary aesthetics with Southern hospitality, and including design features like a communal table with built-in outlets and local art installations.

🏨 Aimbridge Hospitality tackled labor shortages by embracing UKG Pro’s technology, creating a flexible labor marketplace for its 45,000 U.S. employees across 1,100 properties, and winning the 2024 Hotel Visionary Award in HR. This system allows workers to pick up shifts at different locations while complying with various regulations. Over 12,000 employees, about 30% of the hourly workforce, have utilized the new model, enhancing job satisfaction and earning potential. Aimbridge's frontline workers now focus more on guest experiences, thanks to the automated backend processes provided by UKG.

🍜 Ramen shops in the U.S. have seen a rise in popularity, with a current market value over $1 billion annually per IBISWorld. Kyuramen, which started in Queens, N.Y., in 2019, now boasts 40 locations. Rakkan Ramen, originating in Tokyo in 2011, has expanded to over a dozen U.S. locations. In casinos, ramen is increasingly common, such as at Monarch Casino's Twenty-Four 7 in Black Hawk, Colo., which added the dish in 2022, offering three varieties: tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso. Chef Alexander Lopez notes ramen's comforting appeal and the role of social media in its popularity.

🏠 Driftwood Capital launched its Driftwood Lifestyle & Luxury Division (DLLUX) in Miami, Florida, led by Alinio Azevedo, former CEO of Aspen Hospitality. DLLUX will oversee 12 assets, eight owned by Driftwood-sponsored funds. Since 2019, Driftwood invested over $2 billion in luxury developments, including the Westin Resort & Spa Cocoa Beach and Dream Miami. A dedicated investment fund with over $3 billion planned capital deployments will target U.S. and select international lifestyle, luxury, and branded residences markets. Azevedo's experience spans Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts and Loews Hotels. Driftwood is focused on upscale hospitality market growth, driven by trends towards immersive, bespoke travel experiences.

🏨 Crowne Plaza, under IHG Hotels & Resorts, upgrades several Americas hotels with a New Modern design for blended travelers. Ginger Taggart highlights the design's focus on productivity, restoration, and collaboration. By end of 2025, 70% of Crowne Plaza's Americas hotels will feature the new design. Properties like Crowne Plaza Virginia Beach Town Center, with 148 updated guestrooms, and Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Expo Center, with 588 modernized rooms, are part of the renovation wave. Crowne Plaza Seattle – Downtown and Crowne Plaza Niagara Falls NY – Riverside also completed renovations. Crowne Plaza Orlando – Downtown's recent makeover includes 227 guestrooms. The brand plans over 36,000 new rooms and nearly 150 hotels globally, expanding by 35%. Notable upcoming openings include Times Square NYC in Spring 2025, Mexico City, and Saint John, New Brunswick.

🏖 Hampton Conservatories completed a glazed extension for the Ryder Grill at The Belfry Hotel & Resort in Warwickshire, a four-time Ryder Cup host. The resort, with an £80 million investment, engaged the Elliot Group for refurbishments. The 230m² orangery features Edwardian-style elements, brick detailing, and two roof lanterns (9x7m, 9x4m). Special design accommodated substantial air-handling equipment within the structure's aesthetic, enhancing dining capacity and guest experience.